The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort-Chapter 270: The Queen is Bored (1) The Efficient Work

The grand halls of Silvarion Thalor’s royal castle echoed faintly with Elowen’s soft footsteps, a rhythmic melody against the backdrop of an otherwise serene morning. The sunlight cascaded through the intricately designed stained glass windows, scattering vibrant hues of red, gold, and blue onto the polished marble floor. Each step she took reverberated with a subtle authority, yet her heart felt heavy with an inexplicable restlessness—the kind that had taken root since Mikhailis, her beloved prince consort, had embarked on his latest venture. The grandeur of the castle, usually a source of pride, now seemed hollow, as though its very essence mirrored her solitude. Her duties as queen persisted, demanding her focus, but even those felt remarkably lighter these days, almost too light for comfort, courtesy of the impeccable efficiency of Rodion, the AI assistant that had redefined her role.

"Rodion, summarize today’s agenda," Elowen said, adjusting the enchanted glasses perched on her nose.

<Good morning, Your Majesty. Your schedule is notably streamlined today. First, a review of trade agreements with neighboring territories. Second, a decision regarding the allocation of funds for the restoration of the west district’s aqueducts. Third, a diplomatic letter awaiting your approval for the Skalvern emissary. Each task has been analyzed and summarized for efficiency. Shall I display the details in priority order?>

"Yes, please," Elowen replied, watching as the interface within her glasses came alive, displaying crisp, annotated summaries of each document.

<Trade agreements first. Key points highlighted: terms are favorable; recommended approval with minor adjustments to clause seven. I have flagged discrepancies for review, particularly in clauses pertaining to tariff schedules and resource quotas, which exhibit inconsistencies with prior agreements. Supporting references have been linked for cross-checking historical trade terms. Estimated time required: three minutes. Additionally, potential loopholes in clause ten might require closer scrutiny if time permits; annotations on these have been added to your interface. Displaying suggested edits and cross-referenced terms now for your verification.>

The queen smiled faintly, impressed yet again by Rodion’s precision.

"Very well. Let’s proceed with that."

As she worked through the documents, Elowen’s mind briefly wandered to how much time these tasks used to consume before Mikhailis introduced Rodion. Hours of poring over pages had been reduced to mere minutes, thanks to the AI’s ability to cross-reference, analyze, and even predict her preferences. She nodded approvingly at each suggestion, feeling a small spark of gratitude for the foresight of her eccentric husband. Chuckling softly, she thought of how drastically her daily routine had changed since Rodion came into her life. Tasks that once consumed her evenings, leaving her with little energy, were now completed swiftly and accurately. Even minor details she might have missed, Rodion caught and presented in an organized manner, often accompanied by his subtly sarcastic remarks that reminded her of Mikhailis’s humor. Everything in her day seemed to flow more seamlessly, and she couldn’t help but muse.

"He really has a way of turning chaos into order. But in a fun way,"

<Adjustments to clause seven have been implemented as per your directive. Final document ready for seal application. Shall I prepare the aqueduct restoration details next?>

"Go ahead," she replied, watching as the intricate display unfolded seamlessly in her glasses. The aqueduct plans came to life like a breathing map, each segment illuminated with annotations detailing costs, labor requirements, and anticipated timelines. Every element seemed meticulously curated, down to the tiniest detail, a testament to Rodion’s capabilities.

<Segment one: Estimated costs align within budgetary constraints. Prioritized materials available locally. Labor requirements are flexible based on eastern district availability. Displaying secondary options for adjustments.>

Elowen tilted her head slightly, her eyes scanning the glowing diagrams.

"And the environmental impact?" she inquired, her voice measured.

<Minimal disruption expected. Excavation zones avoid critical habitats, and restorative efforts are pre-allocated in the budget. Would you like a cross-reference of impact studies?>

"And the environmental impact?" she inquired, her voice measured as her gaze remained fixed on the glowing diagrams.

Rodion’s reply came swiftly, precise as ever.

<Minimal disruption anticipated. Excavation zones were selected to avoid critical habitats. Restorative efforts for minor disturbances have been integrated into the projected budget. Additionally, reforestation programs are planned for areas adjacent to the site to enhance ecological balance. Would you like to review the impact metrics more closely?>

Elowen nodded slightly, her lips curving into a faint smile.

"Please do."

The display in her glasses shifted, revealing detailed projections: charts and graphs overlaying the map, illustrating everything from soil displacement to the projected regrowth timeline of nearby flora. Rodion’s voice accompanied the visuals, providing context for every detail.

<Anticipated soil erosion: negligible. Surrounding vegetation: recovery expected within three months post-construction. Wildlife displacement: limited to non-critical species with minimal long-term effects. Monitoring units can be deployed for additional oversight, if deemed necessary.>

Elowen’s fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of her chair as she processed the data. She found herself thinking back to a conversation with Mikhailis not too long ago. He had spoken at length about the importance of balancing progress with environmental stewardship—a topic he had approached with an intensity that belied his usual playful demeanor.

"We can’t just conquer nature," he had said, pacing in that animated way of his.

"We live within it. If we destroy it, we’re only dooming ourselves. That’s why sustainability isn’t a burden; it’s a necessity."

His passion had caught her off guard then. It wasn’t that she doubted his intelligence—far from it—but seeing him speak so earnestly about something so intricate had been a revelation.

She chuckled softly at the memory. He’s smarter than anyone gives him credit for. Smarter than even I expected. If he ever decided to truly wield that intelligence to take influence over the kingdom, I’d stand no chance. The thought was equal parts amusing and sobering, a testament to how much he had upended her expectations of him.

Rodion’s voice brought her back to the present.

<Would you like to see the proposed reforestation areas and the tree species selected for optimal soil retention and biodiversity restoration?>

"Yes, please," she said, her tone softer now, her amusement lingering.

The display updated again, showing a list of tree species alongside their characteristics and benefits to the local ecosystem. Rodion continued his explanation with mechanical precision.

<Primary species: Ironbark Oak, selected for its deep root systems and resilience to local climatic conditions. Secondary species: Glowleaf Birch, chosen for its rapid growth rate and ability to foster underbrush development. Complementary species include Nightrise Cedars for aesthetic value and pollinator support. Projected benefits include increased soil stability, enhanced carbon sequestration, and habitat creation for native wildlife.>

Elowen leaned forward slightly, engrossed by the level of detail.

"Include this summary in the report for the council," she instructed.

<Report updated. Additional metrics and cross-references will be included for clarity.>

A fond smile played on her lips as she leaned back, the vibrant diagrams reflecting in her glasses. The sheer depth of the plans, coupled with Rodion’s efficiency, made her job feel almost effortless. But it was the echo of Mikhailis’s words that lingered most.

"He really does think of everything, doesn’t he?" she murmured.Rodion continued, his tone unwavering,

<Project completion timeline could be reduced by ten percent by reallocating surplus labor from the eastern districts. Impact metrics on ongoing projects in those regions have been analyzed. Would you like an overview of those details as well?>

Elowen hesitated before nodding, "Show me."

The display shifted again, presenting an overlay of the eastern district’s current projects alongside the aqueduct plans. Bars and charts displayed worker availability, productivity estimates, and compensation comparisons. Rodion’s voice broke the silence once more.

<Staggered shifts will maintain morale and efficiency. Compensation packages for overtime are pre-approved and align with treasury capabilities. Morale tracking from the district reflects stable patterns; no significant downturns projected. Should I implement these reallocations?>

Elowen studied the data for a moment, appreciating the foresight.

"Proceed," she said.

<Understood. Updating labor directives and timelines. Consolidating changes for council distribution. Additionally, adjusting timelines to reflect efficiency improvements. Would you like a summary report for review later?>

"Yes, include it in my evening briefing." She watched the interface collapse the data neatly, her lips curving into a faint smile.

Rodion’s voice interjected again, this time with a faint trace of humor.

<Note: If only all kingdom matters were this easily resolved. Shall I prepare the next task in queue?>

Elowen chuckled softly, the sound echoing in the quiet room.

"He’s truly left his mark," she murmured to herself, marveling at how much smoother her responsibilities had become. Despite her longing for Mikhailis, she couldn’t deny the transformative impact his eccentric foresight—and Rodion—had brought into her life. Tasks once burdensome now flowed effortlessly, with every potential misstep accounted for. Even her thoughts, as she realized with a bemused smile, felt more organized.

By the time Elowen reached the final task, she felt a rare sense of ease. The diplomatic letter required only a minor revision, and within moments, the missive was complete.

"Rodion, you’ve outdone yourself again," Elowen murmured, leaning back in her chair.

<Praise is always appreciated, Your Majesty. Though I must note, efficiency is simply what I’m designed for.>

Elowen chuckled softly.

"You sound just like him."

<A high compliment, I’m sure.>

Her smile lingered as she set the glasses aside, but the momentary satisfaction couldn’t fully distract her from the ache of Mikhailis’s absence.

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Looking at the window, she couldn’t help but wonder. What is her husband is currently doing?

The invitation from Prince Laethor to Serewyn is unexpected, and she is worried. But it’s fine. He has two of her most trusted knights with him.

"And he has his ants as well, isn’t he?" She muttered with a smile as she saw a small chimera ant slowly coming to her hand, they are some of the workers that also helped her in several things in the castle.

"I just need to trust him,"